Case vs. Crumbleys
'Gunman's' parents to stay in jail as trove of files eyed
The parents of accused Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley were hauled into court for a preliminary hearing Tuesday — but will remain locked up while lawyers review a “staggering” amount of evidence.
James and Jennifer Crumbley each face four counts of involuntary manslaughter as accessories to their son’s first-degree murder case, and the mom and dad were ordered held on a $500,000 bond each after being taken into custody.
The couple’s lawyers said they plan to file a motion to reduce the bond in about a week.
Tuesday’s court appearance was their first since they pleaded not guilty to the charges at a Dec. 5 virtual arraignment before a judge.
Prosecutors said they still “have a lot of work to do” before holding a “probable cause” hearing to determine if the case will move ahead.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said her office has some 500 pages of documents and 40 gigabytes of data that was presented to defense lawyers.
“The volume of discovery in this case is staggering,” McDonald said.
“We anticipate being ready to present the preliminary exam in February,” she added.
McDonald said she anticipates calling 15 to 20 witnesses for the hearing.
Defense lawyers asked for time to review the documents.
The Crumbleys were led into the courtroom in shackles, with James Crumbley in black prison garb and his wife wearing maroon.
Both wore masks and did not speak — other than to answer “Yes, your honor” twice when questioned by Oakland County Judge Julie Nicholson.
The case was adjourned until Feb. 8.
The couple is represented by a high-priced legal team headed by Shannon Smith, whose past clients have included disgraced USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Ethan Crumbley has a court-appointed lawyer.
In court Tuesday, Smith told the judge she did not anticipate a conflict of interest by her office representing both parents in the case.
“Your honor, we have gone over this extensively with our office and with our clients,” Smith said. “At this time there is not a conflict. We have addressed a potential conflict, how that could arise. We don’t anticipate that’s going to happen.”
Ethan Crumbley is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, terrorism and assault with intent to commit murder in the Nov. 30 mass shooting at Oxford HS.
Four students were killed and seven others were wounded.
The teen was ordered held at an adult facility after his arraignment last month, but his lawyers on Monday petitioned to have him moved back to a juvenile facility.